Conditions

Definition

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a fast-growing cancer of a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. These cells are found in the bone marrow and other parts of the body.

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) occurs when the body produces a large number of immature lymphocytes. The cancer cells grow quickly and replace normal cells in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of bones that helps form all blood cells. ALL prevents healthy blood cells from being made. Life-threatening symptoms can occur.

Note: These symptoms can occur with other conditions. Talk to the doctor about the meaning of specific symptoms.

Signs and tests

A physical exam may reveal the following:

Bruising

Swollen liver, lymph nodes, and spleen

Signs of bleeding (petechiae, purpura)

Blood tests may include:

Complete blood count (CBC), including white blood cell (WBC) count

Platelet count

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy

Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to check for leukemia cells in the spinal fluid

Tests are also done to look for changes in the DNA inside the abnormal white cells. Certain DNA changes may determine what kind of treatment the person receives and the outlook.

Treatment

The first goal of treatment is to get blood counts back to normal. If this occurs and the bone marrow looks healthy under the microscope, the cancer is said to be in remission.

Chemotherapy is the first treatment tried with the goal of achieving complete remission.

The person may need to stay in the hospital for chemotherapy. Or it can be given at a clinic and the patient goes home afterward.

Chemotherapy is given into the veins (by IV) and sometimes next to the spine and brain.

After remission, more treatment is needed to be cured. This treatment can include more chemotherapy or radiation to the brain. Stem cell transplant from another person may also be done. Further treatment depends on:

Age and health of the person

Type of leukemia cells, including the DNA changes found

How many courses of chemotherapy it took to achieve remission

Availability of donors for stem cell transplant

Support Groups

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.

Expectations (prognosis)

Those who respond to treatment right away tend to do better. Most children with ALL can be cured. Children often have a better outcome than adults.

Complications

Both leukemia itself and the treatment can lead to many problems such as bleeding, weight loss, and infections.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of ALL.

Prevention

You may reduce your risk of ALL by avoiding contact with certain toxins, radiation, and chemicals.